What Is The Difference Between Distilled Water And Purified Water?

If you are trying to decide between distilled water and purified water, it is essential to understand the differences between them. Distilled and purified waters both can be beneficial in having a clean source of drinking water; however, they each have unique characteristics that make them special. In this article, we will explain what is the difference between distilled water and purified water so you can determine which one fits best into your lifestyle.

What Is Distilled Water?

Distilled water is water that has been heated until it turns into a vapor and then condensed back into a liquid form. This process removes almost all impurities from the water. It’s often used for medical purposes as it eliminates bacteria and other contaminants, making it an ideal option for drinking.

Is Distilled Water Safe?

Distilled water is considered safe for consumption. However, it may lack flavor and certain essential minerals found in tap water, such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium. The resulting water is composed solely of hydrogen and oxygen.

Health Benefits Of Distilled Water

Since distilled water is free of impurities, it can help your body in a few ways. It helps to flush out toxins from the body and can improve overall hydration since it’s so easy for the body to absorb. Additionally, some studies suggest that drinking distilled water may support healthy cardiovascular function since it contains fewer amounts of minerals than other types of drinking water.

Here are some benefits:

• Water distillation is among the most effective ways to rid water of contaminants
• Distilled water is free of contaminants like bacteria and pesticides, which can be beneficial for individuals who suffer from a weakened immune system
• You may live in a location that doesn’t have particularly strict tap water regulations, which means that drinking distilled water would keep you healthier
• Individuals who suffer from HIV or various types of cancer have a higher risk of becoming sick via impurities in water or food, which means that distilled water should be a better option than other types
• Distilled water gets rid of chlorine from the water, which should enhance the taste of the water

Common Uses For Distilled Water

Pure and pristine, distilled water is a wonder liquid that brings a bounty of benefits to various industries.

• Distilled water is often used for medical purposes since it eliminates most contaminants, making it an ideal option for drinking. Medical professionals rely on it to sterilize equipment, while auto mechanics trust it to keep cooling systems clean.
• The absence of minerals and impurities makes it a go-to choice for skin products, canning goods, and cleaning high-tech lab gear. With its unadulterated purity, distilled water proves to be an indispensable asset for a wide range of needs.
• Additionally, it’s also popularly used in cars and other vehicle radiators as well as steam irons, humidifiers, and laboratories.

Disadvantages Of Distilled Water

One of the drawbacks to drinking distilled water is that it lacks the essential minerals and nutrients that your body needs. Over time, this can have adverse effects on your health, so it’s essential to make sure you get enough of these nutrients from other sources, such as food or supplements. Additionally, since there are no minerals in distilled water, it can affect the taste and may not be as appealing to drink as other types of water.

You can see the following main drawbacks of distilled water:

• While the distillation process removes contaminants, it also gets rid of electrolytes and natural minerals that are essential for a person’s health
• Healthy minerals like magnesium and calcium are removed completely from distilled water
• Not getting enough magnesium and calcium in your diet places you at a higher risk of heart disease, fractures, and preterm birth
• Distilled water gets rid of fluoride, which can help prevent cavities

What Is Purified Water?

Purified water is any type of water that goes through a process known as “purification” which removes impurities from the water. This includes physical processes like sand filters, carbon filtering, reverse osmosis, and other techniques. Purified water is often used in homes and industries as it eliminates contaminants that could lead to health issues if ingested.

Is Purified Water Safe?

Both purified and spring water are safe options that meet strict safety standards. Drinking an adequate amount of water is vital for maintaining optimal health, as it facilitates proper functioning of every cell in your body. Therefore, it is crucial to stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.

Health Benefits Of Purified Water

The main benefit of purified water is that it’s free of impurities like bacteria, toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals. This makes it a safer option for drinking than regular tap water. Additionally, since the water goes through a filtration process, it typically has a better taste than other types of water.

The many benefits of drinking purified water include:

• Numerous purification methods eliminate chlorine in the water, which is a standard chemical that has been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer and similar cancers
• Removes harmful bacteria that can lead to nausea, stomach aches, and various illnesses
• Provides your skin with a protective barrier that keeps impurities out
• Provides benefits to your colon and digestive tract
• Removes metallic substances, organic matter, and chemicals, which should improve the taste of the water
• Gets rid of heavy metals like lead and copper, both of which are highly toxic

Common Uses For Purified Water

• Purified water has many uses, ranging from commercial to residential use. It’s often used for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes due to being free of impurities.
• Filtered water is also a preferred option for aquariums and other aquatic systems since it helps keep the tanks clean and bacteria-free.
• Other common uses of purified water include commercial and industrial settings, such as cooling systems, steam turbines, and other machinery.

Disadvantages Of Purified Water

One downside to drinking purified water is that it may not contain as many minerals and nutrients as some other types of drinking water. This means that it may not be as beneficial for your overall health as other types of water, so you should make sure to get enough nutrients and minerals from other food sources. Additionally, since purified water is typically more expensive than regular tap water, it may not be an economical option for some individuals.

The main issues with purified water include:

• Certain purification systems will remove fluoride from the water, which is a helpful mineral that’s known to reduce tooth decay and improve overall dental health
• Water purification systems need to be maintained regularly, which is meant to ensure that contaminants don’t increase on older filters
• It’s possible that the purification process won’t get rid of certain contaminants, which can include some chemicals and pesticides
• Purchasing purified bottled water or selecting an in-home purification system can be costly, which is why you should weigh the pros and cons of drinking this form of water
• If you choose to purchase plastic bottles of purified water, doing so causes a significant amount of waste, which is harmful to the environment

More reading: how long does it take for water to boil

What is the difference between distilled water and purified water?

Distilled water and purified water are both beneficial for your health and share many similarities. The primary distinction lies in the fact that purified water may retain some healthy minerals present in water, whereas distilled water does not.

Watch this video to know what is the difference between distilled water and purified water.

Which Is Best: Purified Vs. Distilled Water?

When seeking the purest water available, it is recommended to choose distilled water. However, if you prefer cleaner water that is slightly healthier, purified water is the optimal choice. Both types of water are beneficial as long as you maintain a balanced diet.

How To Test The Quality Of Water?

To test the quality of water and ensure proper purification, follow these steps:

• Analyze the composition of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) which is correlated with the electrical conductivity (EC) of water. The most precise method of measuring TDS composition is by using a conductivity meter.
• Additionally, test the pH of the water using a pH sensor to verify that the levels fall within the recommended range. Pure water typically exhibits pH readings between 6.5-8.5.

By following these methods, you can effectively assess the quality of water.

How to Purify Your Drinking Water?

To ensure the purification of your drinking water, follow these steps:

• Boiling: Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. This simple process effectively kills most types of germs, even if the water is cloudy or obtained from high altitudes.
• Filtering: If the water appears cloudy, allow it to settle first. Then, filter it through a clean cloth or coffee filter before proceeding to boil it.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively purify your drinking water and ensure its safety for consumption.

FAQ: Distilled Water Vs. Purified Water

Can purified water be used in place of distilled water?

Yes, purified water can be used as a substitute for distilled water. While both types of water are healthy and similar, purified water retains some healthy minerals that may be present in water, unlike distilled water.

Is it safe to drink distilled water?

Yes, distilled water is safe to drink. However, it may taste flat or bland due to the absence of essential minerals found in tap water, such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium. In distilled water, only hydrogen and oxygen are present.

Is boiling water the same as distilled water?

Boiling water and distilled water are not the same. Boiled water refers to water that has been heated until it reaches its boiling point, effectively eliminating various bacteria that could cause illness. On the other hand, distilled water is water that has been purified by removing all impurities, including minerals and microorganisms.

Which bottled water is distilled?

• Ice Mountain Brand Distilled Water is great for both consumption and usage in home appliances. It provides a crisp taste with no impurities.
• Smartwater Vapor Distilled Water uses vapor distillation instead of reverse osmosis and is infused with electrolytes for added health benefits. It is also offered in recycled bottles.
• Snugell CPAP Distilled Water is ideal for CPAP machines, as it keeps the water chamber free from mineral buildup.
• Poland Spring Distilled Water comes in gallon bottles and can be used in small appliances without any fear of mineral buildup or hard water stains.
• Hint Water’s fruit-infused distilled water bottles offer a refreshing alternative to sugar-laden beverages, with zero calories, no sugar, sweeteners or preservatives.
• Smartwater Alkaline has a high pH level of 9 and above, perfect for balancing the body’s pH levels. It contains no additives or natural minerals either, making it pure and thirst quenching.

Is boiled water purified water?

Boiling water effectively eliminates bacteria, but it does not render tap water completely pure. Although boiling water can eliminate some contaminants, it does not remove microplastics, pesticides, fertilizers, industrial chemicals, hormones, medications, heavy metals, and neurotoxic microorganisms.